The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 644

A flash of awkwardness crossed Belinda’s face, though she quickly masked it. "I’ve only managed to see him twice, sneaking around like an absolute criminal. Besides..."

"If you didn't get him anything, just say it. Spare me the excuses."

Sophia snapped the jewelry box shut, holding it tight as if she were afraid her mother might snatch it.

"Where exactly did you get the money for that?" Belinda immediately deflected, turning the tables. "Did you go begging your grandparents for cash again?"

"I did not!"

Sophia had always been a massive spendthrift. Ever since she entered adulthood, Belinda had kept her on a strict, immovable allowance. Not a single cent extra.

"I saved this up myself."

Her meager salary from SilverLeaf Industries was practically a joke—it barely covered her coffee runs. Aside from her monthly allowance, she had hoarded every single holiday bonus and cash gift she received.

Belinda tapped her manicured fingers thoughtfully against the table. "Since you just got into town, why don't I take you out to do some shopping? We can pick up some essentials for you."

"Only if you buy me dinner. I heard there’s an incredible steakhouse here in Eldervale."

Sophia immediately seized the opportunity to milk her mother for all she was worth.

Belinda agreed without missing a beat. She went upstairs to change into a chic outfit, and the two headed out.

A few hours later, they returned from their excursion—with Sophia sporting an incredibly sour expression.

"I should have known you were being too nice with the steak dinner. You just wanted an excuse to go buy your grandson a present," Sophia grumbled.

Belinda smiled triumphantly, dangling a lavish jewelry box from her fingers. "Did you really think I’d let a mere aunt show me up?"

Sophia seethed with annoyance. She had painstakingly saved up a hundred grand for her little nest egg, and had blown over ninety thousand of it on that gold locket.

Belinda, on the other hand, had money to burn. The gift she bought was easily several times more expensive, utterly crushing Sophia’s modest offering.

"Why are you even buying them a present? When Lance and Catherine got married, you hated her guts. You think she even wants your gift?"

"If we press them too hard, we’ll only delay the Lees from digging their own grave. Just keep a close eye on them."

Lance was running out of patience.

Aaron nodded respectfully. "Understood. Also, Ivan just submitted a formal recommendation letter. He’s pushing for Lemuel to take over as the manager of the Project Department. He claims he’s the perfect fit."

"How long has Lemuel even been at SilverLeaf?" Lance asked dryly.

Aaron did the mental math. "Barely half a month."

Lance cast him a sharp, knowing look.

Half a month. The guy hadn't even passed his probationary period, and he wanted to be handed the Project Manager role? It was absurd.

"I shut him down immediately. I’m just giving you the report," Aaron quickly clarified. "However, Lemuel did play a crucial role in securing the company’s latest project. Ivan is insisting that there is literally no one else capable of taking over the department right now."

Lance mulled it over for a brief moment. "Then go ask Lemuel a question. Tell him that being a department manager requires a lot of socializing and networking. Ask him if he’s afraid of his family finding out he’s secured a job here."